From the Executive Director….
I’ve recently completed the college search process with my youngest of three sons. Over the past 6 years I’ve attended about 30 college tours and the primary advice I heard from admissions officers was “We’re looking for kids that demonstrated passion and commitment to a couple things throughout their school career(s), stuck with them, and did them well. It’s not about amassing a huge list of activities.” We are pleased that, while this youngest son will major in business at Skidmore College, he received a music scholarship to play French Horn in the College’s orchestra. Friends comment to us “your kids are so talented—it must be because they have parents who are musicians!” The real reasons they’ve done well aren’t necessarily about some sort of magical talent, but rather:
- We’ve ensured that music is a basic and essential part of their education (just like Math, Science, and English).
- They attended Music Together classes when they were young.
- They took piano lessons ages 6-10, and were required to practice 15 minutes each day.
- At age 10 they selected their primary instrument (trumpet, percussion, and French horn, respectively).
- They played in their school bands throughout middle school and high school.
- Ages 10-18, they took weekly private lessons with the best teacher(s) we could find, and were required to practice 30 minutes each day- just like they had to do math & science homework.
That’s it! Community Music School is here to help YOUR child (or Grandchild, or neighbor) receive a complete music education– and remember that financial aid is available at CMS too.
Dr. Richard Wyman
Executive Director
